Method and apparatus for improved digital image control

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods consistent with the present invention use a remote-control device to retrieve digital images from portable digital memory and transmit the digital image to a computer, a network, or another remote-control device. A user inserts the portable digital memory into a the remote-control device and browses the digital images stored in the portable digital memory. Upon the user&#39;s instructions, the remote-control device transmits the digital image, preferably using an infrared transmitter. The user can also receive digital images from a computer, a network, or another remote-control device. A user inserts the portable digital memory into the remote-control device and the remote-control device receives a digital image, preferably using an infrared receiver. Upon the user&#39;s instructions, the remote-control device stores the digital image into the portable digital memory.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is directed generally to controllingdigital images, and in particular, to a portable remote-control devicefor displaying, transmitting, and receiving digital images.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0002] Digital cameras store images in digital memory, typically aportable digital memory such as a Memory Stick™, a “digital film,” or a“flash memory card.” Digital cameras, however, often have limited imageviewing capabilities. Therefore, a user must often remove the portabledigital memory from the camera and transfer it to a computer to viewimages. This limits the practicality of such devices because computersare typically expensive and are often bulky.

[0003] Some digital cameras include an infrared transmitter to transferimages to the computer for storing or viewing. This connection istypically limited and impractical because using the infrared transmittertypically requires the user to place the camera within a few feet of thereceiving computer.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to have an image viewing device thatis portable like a digital camera, but with the viewing capabilities ofa computer. It is also desirable to be able to transmit digital imageswithout the limited transmission range of current digital cameras.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The advantages and purposes of the invention are set forth inpart in the description that follows, and in part are obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages and purposes of the invention are realized and attained bymeans of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theclaims.

[0006] A method consistent with this invention for retrieving andtransmitting a digital image on a portable remote-control deviceincluding a transmitter, comprises the stages of detecting a connectionof a portable digital memory to the remote-control device, retrieving adigital signal representing the image from the portable digital memory,and transmitting the digital signal using the transmitter. The methodmay further include displaying the image on a display in theremote-control device.

[0007] A method consistent with this invention for receiving and storinga digital image on a portable remote-control device including areceiver, comprises the stages of detecting a connection of a portabledigital memory to the remote-control device, receiving a digital signalrepresenting the image using the receiver, and storing the digitalsignal into the portable digital memory. The method may also includedisplaying the image on a display in the remote-control device.

[0008] An apparatus consistent with this invention comprises a portableremote-control device including means for detecting a connection of aportable digital memory to the remote-control device, means forretrieving a digital signal representing a digital image from theportable digital memory, and means for transmitting the digital signal.The apparatus may also include means for displaying the image on adisplay in the remote-control device.

[0009] An apparatus consistent with this invention comprises a portableremote-control device including means for detecting a connection of aportable digital memory to the remote-control device, means forreceiving a digital signal representing a digital image, and means forstoring the digital signal into the portable digital memory. Theapparatus may include means for displaying the image on a display in theremote-control device.

[0010] The summary and the following detailed description should notrestrict the scope of the claimed invention. Both provide examples andexplanations to enable others to practice the invention. Theaccompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description, showone embodiment of the invention, and together with the description,explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodimentsof the invention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings,

[0012]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital image control systemconsistent with this invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of components of a remote-control deviceconsistent with this invention;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process consistent with this inventionfor retrieving and transmitting an image with a remote-control device;and

[0015]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process consistent with this inventionfor receiving and storing an image using a remote-control device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Reference is made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Overview

[0017] Systems and method s consistent with this invention allow the useof a remote-control device to retrieve images from portable digitalmemory, display them, and transmit them to a computer, a network, oranother remote-control device. A user can insert the portable digitalmemory into the remote-control device, causing the device to display animage stored in the portable digital memory. The device prompts the userand the user can browse the images stored in the portable digitalmemory. The user can then transmit the image using a transmitter,preferably an infrared transmitter, to a computer, a network, or anotherremote-control device. Preferably, the user can transmit the image fromthe remote-control device to the receiver from across a large room.

[0018] Systems and methods consistent with this invention also allow theuse of a remote-control device to receive images from a computer, anetwork, or another remote-control device, then display them, and storethem into the portable digital memory. The user inserts the portabledigital memory into the remote-control device. The device receives animage via the receiver, preferably an infrared receiver, and displaysthe image. The device prompts the user to determine whether the userwants to store the image. If the user does, the device stores the imageinto the portable digital memory.

Hardware

[0019]FIG. 1 is a diagram of a digital image control system consistentwith this invention. The system contains portable digital memory 102,which in one embodiment comprises a digital film. One suitable digitalfilm that can be used is a Memory Stick™ available from Sony. Conductivecontacts 104 on the portable digital memory 102 enable it to communicatewith external equipment, such as remote-control device 200.

[0020] Remote-control device 200 includes a keypad 206 with a “previous”key 112 and a “next” key 110. Remote control device 200 may transmitinfrared radiation 108 to an infrared receiver 114, which is external toremote control device 200. The infrared radiation 108 transmitted bydevice 200 is strong enough so that infrared receiver 114 can receiveinformation from remote-control device 200 from across a large room. Forexample, device 200 should be able to transmit to a receiver 114 that is2-5 meters away. In one embodiment, remote control device 200 andreceiver 114 may use IrDA DATA, an infrared communications protocol wellknown in the art, to communicate with each other

[0021] Infrared receiver 114 may be connected to a computer 116, and inturn computer 116 may be connected to a network 118. Network 118 maycomprise a wired network such as the Internet or an intranet, or anyequivalent network such as a wide area network, a local area network, ora public or private wireless network. Computer 116 may be any type ofcomputer, including a personal computer, laptop computer, workstation,etc. Receiver 114 may correspond to an infrared receiver in anotherremote-control device similar to the remote-control device 200 displayedin FIG. 1.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of components of a remote-control device200 consistent with this invention. Remote-control device 200 contains adisplay 204, a keypad 206, a controller (or microprocessor) 208, amemory 210, a portable digital memory reader 202, and an infraredtransmitter 212 and receiver 214. The portable digital memory 102connects to remote-control device 200 through portable digital memoryreader 202. Keypad 206 contains control keys for operation of theremote-control device 200, e.g., the “previous” key 112 and “next” key110 (shown in FIG. 1). Memory 210 contains a remote-control deviceapplication program 216, which executes in controller 208 and controlsthe various functions of the remote-control device 200, including thoseconsistent with this invention. All components 202, 204, 206, 210, and214 connect to controller 208, which controls the components toimplement the functionality of the invention.

[0023] In another embodiment, the portable digital memory comprises asmart card. A smart card is the size of a credit card and has a built-inintegrated circuit (IC) microcontroller. The smart card also containselectrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) that couldstore digital images. One suitable microcontroller-based single-wafer ICthat can be used in a smart card is available from Motorola Corporation(model no. MSC1014). Conductive contacts on the microcontroller enablethe smart card to communicate with external equipment. Preferably, smartcard 102 is constructed in accordance with international standard ISO7816.

Procedure

[0024]FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process consistent with this inventionfor retrieving and transmitting an image using remote-control device200. Initially, a user connects portable digital memory 102 toremote-control device 200 (stage 302) by inserting portable digitalmemory 102 into portable digital memory reader 202. Controller 208 thenretrieves the next digital signal representing a digital image stored inportable digital memory (stage 304). The first time stage 304 isexecuted, the next image is the first image. Controller 208 may displaythe image on display 204 (stage 306). If the user wishes, the user mayperform a desired process on the image (stage 307), such as editing,modifying, or renaming. The user may browse the images stored inportable digital memory 102. For instance, the user may press the “next”key 110 (stage 308) to view the next image (stage 304). The user alsocould press the “previous” key 112 (stage 310) to view the previousimage. The process continues to wait for the user to press “next” key110, or “previous” key 112 (stages 308 and 310).

[0025] If the user instructs controller 208 via keypad 206 to transmitthe image (stage 314), controller 208 transmits the image currentlydisplayed via infrared transmitter 220 (stage 316). After transmissionof the image, process 300 ends, but may be restarted if the userdesires.

[0026] In an embodiment where the portable digital memory 102 includes asmart card, controller 208 retrieves the stored digital image from thesmart card. Controller 208 does this by sending one or multiple READBINARY commands to the smart card microcontroller. The READ BINARYcommand is outlined in international standard ISO 7816. According tothis standard, controller 208 performs communication between controller208 and the smart card through Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU)commands, including WRITE BINARY and READ BINARY. Controller 208 mayalso use commands other than READ BINARY, such as a higher-ordercommands in an application program interface.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process 400 consistent with thisinvention for receiving and storing an image using remote-control device200. To begin, a user connects portable digital memory 102 toremote-control device 200 (stage 402) by inserting portable digitalmemory 102 into portable digital memory reader 202.

[0028] Controller 208 receives a digital image signal, preferably viainfrared receiver 214, and displays it on display 204 (stage 406). Ifthe user wishes, the user may perform a desired process on the image(step 407), such as editing, modifying, or renaming. At this point, theuser may view it and decide whether to store it into portable digitalmemory 102 or not (stage 408). If the user decides to store the image,the system does so (stage 410). Process 400 ends, but may restart if theuser desires.

[0029] In an embodiment where the portable digital memory 102 includes asmart card, controller 308 may store the image signal by sending one ormultiple WRITE BINARY commands to the smart card. The WRITE BINARYcommand is outlined in international standard ISO 7816. Controller 208may also use commands other than WRITE BINARY, such as higher-ordercommands in an application program interface. The smart card stores thedigital image as allowed by ISO 7816.

[0030] Remote-control device application program 316 executes incontroller 208 and controls the retrieve and transmit process 300 andthe receive and store process 400. It also may prompt the user so thatthe user may instruct remote-control device 200 to store an image (stage408), display the next image (stage 308), display the previous image(stage 310), or transmit an image (stage 314).

[0031] It is apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the construction ofremote-control device 200 without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For example, remote-control device 102 could beconfigured to receive and transmit information via radio communicationor a physical connection.

[0032] It also apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in user interface of device 200of this invention without departing from the scope or spirit of theinvention. For instance, the user could access a menu structure toexecute commands. Further, device 200 could include a touch screeninstead of a keypad. Or, device 200 could include thumb dial, also knownas a Jog Dial™. In one embodiment, the thumb dial could replace orsupplement the next and previous keys. Also, performing the desiredprocesses (stages 307 and 407) may include printing an image on aprinter attached to device 200.

[0033] It is apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the construction of computer116 without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Forexample, computer 116 could be a television, a printer, or any consumerelectronic device.

[0034] The description of the invention is not meant to limit theinvention. Instead it provides examples and explanations to allowpersons of ordinary skill to appreciate different ways to practice theinvention. The following claims define the true scope and spirit of theinvention.

1. A method for retrieving and transmitting a digital image using aportable remote-control device including a transmitter, said methodcomprising: detecting a connection of a portable digital memory to theremote-control device; retrieving a digital signal representing theimage from the portable digital memory; and transmitting the digitalsignal using the transmitter.
 2. The method of claim 1 , including thestage of displaying the image on a display in the remote-control device.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the portable digital memory includesa Memory Stick, and wherein the detecting a connection stage includesthe stage of detecting an insertion of the Memory Stick into a MemoryStick reader.
 4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the portable digitalmemory includes a digital film, and wherein the detecting the connectionstage includes the stage of detecting an insertion of the digital filminto a digital film reader.
 5. The method of claim 1 , wherein theportable digital memory includes a smart card, and wherein the detectingthe connection stage includes the stage of detecting an insertion of thesmart card into a smart card reader.
 6. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe transmitting stage includes the stage of transmitting the digitalsignal using an infrared transmitter.
 7. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe transmitting stage includes the stage of transmitting the digitalsignal through a network connected to the remote-control device.
 8. Themethod of claim 1 , wherein the transmitting stage includes the stage ofreceiving a signal from a user-input device on the remote-controldevice.
 9. The method of claim 1 , including the stage of receiving thetransmitted digital signal at a computer.
 10. The method of claim 1 ,including the stage of receiving the transmitted digital signal at acomputer in a network.
 11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the stage oftransmitting includes the stage of transmitting the digital signaleffectively farther than 2 meters.
 12. A method for receiving andstoring a digital image using a portable remote-control device includinga receiver, said method comprising: detecting a connection of a portabledigital memory to the remote-control device; receiving a digital signalrepresenting the image using the receiver; and storing the digitalsignal into the portable digital memory.
 13. The method of claim 12 ,including the stage of displaying the image on a display in theremote-control device.
 14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the portabledigital memory includes a Memory Stick, and wherein the detecting stageincludes the stage of detecting a connection of the Memory Stick into aMemory Stick reader.
 15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the portabledigital memory includes a digital film, and wherein the detecting stageincludes the stage of detecting a connection of the digital film into adigital film reader.
 16. The method of claim 12 , wherein the portabledigital memory includes a smart card, and wherein the detecting theconnection stage includes the stage of detecting an insertion of thesmart card into a smart card reader.
 17. The method of claim 12 ,wherein the receiving stage includes the stage of receiving the digitalsignal using an infrared receiver.
 18. The method of claim 12 , whereinthe receiving stage includes the stage of receiving the digital signalthrough a network connected to the remote-control device.
 19. The methodof claim 12 , wherein the storing stage includes receiving a signal froma user-input device on the remote-control device.
 20. The method ofclaim 12 , including the stage of transmitting the received digitalsignal at a computer.
 21. The method of claim 12 , including the stageof transmitting the received digital signal at a computer in a network.22. The method of claim 12 , wherein the stage of receiving includes thestage of receiving the digital signal from farther than 2 meters fromthe source.
 23. An apparatus comprising: a portable remote-controldevice including means for detecting a connection of a portable digitalmemory to the remote-control device; means for retrieving a digitalsignal representing a digital image from the portable digital memory;and means for transmitting the digital signal.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 23 , including means for displaying the image on a display in theremote-control device.
 25. The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein theportable digital memory includes a Memory Stick, and wherein theportable digital memory reader includes a Memory Stick reader.
 26. Theapparatus of claim 23 , wherein the portable digital memory includes adigital film, and wherein the portable digital memory reader includes adigital film reader.
 27. The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein theportable digital memory includes a smart card, and wherein the portabledigital memory reader includes a smart card reader.
 28. The apparatus ofclaim 23 , wherein the transmitting means includes means fortransmitting the digital signal using an infrared transmitter.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 23 , wherein the transmitting means includes meansfor transmitting the digital signal through a network connected to theremote-control device.
 30. The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein thetransmitting means includes means for receiving a signal from auser-input device on the remote-control device.
 31. The apparatus ofclaim 23 , including means for receiving the transmitted digital signalat a computer.
 32. The apparatus of claim 23 , including means forreceiving the transmitted digital signal at a computer in a network. 33.The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the means of transmitting includesmeans for transmitting the digital signal effectively farther than 2meters.
 34. An apparatus comprising: a portable remote-control deviceincluding means for detecting a connection of a portable digital memoryto the remote-control device; means for receiving a digital signalrepresenting a digital image; and means for storing the digital signalinto the portable digital memory.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34 ,including means for displaying the image on a display in theremote-control device.
 36. The apparatus of claim 34 , wherein theportable digital memory includes a Memory Stick, and wherein theportable digital memory reader includes a Memory Stick reader.
 37. Theapparatus of claim 34 , wherein the portable digital memory includes adigital film, and wherein the portable digital memory reader includes adigital film reader.
 38. The apparatus of claim 34 , wherein theportable digital memory includes a smart card, and wherein the portabledigital memory reader includes a smart card reader.
 39. The apparatus ofclaim 34 , wherein the receiving means includes means for receiving thedigital signal using an infrared receiver.
 40. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the receiving means includes means for receiving the digitalsignal through a network connected to the remote-control device.
 41. Theapparatus of claim 34 , wherein the storing means includes means forreceiving a signal from a user-input device on the remote-controldevice.
 42. The apparatus of claim 34 , including means for transmittingthe received digital signal at a computer.
 43. The apparatus of claim 34, including means for transmitting the received digital signal at acomputer in a network.
 44. The apparatus of claim 34 , wherein the meansof receiving includes means for receiving the digital signal fromfarther than 2 meters from the source.